Portugal, Kingdom. A Royal Military Order Of Avis, Knight With Crown, C.1900

(Ordem Real Militar de Avis). Instituted in 1146. A finely manufactured florid cross in silver gilt with well executed green enamels, adorned by hollow silver gilt crown, measuring 34.7 mm (w) x 62 mm (h), with light enamel flakes, with patina and mid 20th Century ribbon, very fine.

Footnote: The Military Order of Aviz, previously to 1910 Royal Military Order of Aviz, previously to 1789 Knights (of the Order) of Saint Benedict of Aviz or Friars of Santa Maria of Évora, is a Portuguese order of chivalry, founded in Portugal in 1146. It gave its name and coat of arms to the Aviz Dynasty that ruled Portugal between 1385 and 1580. The Order of Aviz, as awarded by the Portuguese government today, comes in five classes: Grand Cross (GCA), Grand Officer (GOA), Commander (ComA), Officer (OA) and Knight (CavA) or Dame (DamA).

This offering is a part of the "Dr. Albert Goodwin Collection", a preeminent assemblage of world Orders, Medals, and Decorations composed solely by Dr.Goodwin between 1946-1967. Dr. Goodwin had a successful career as an educator and prominent physician in New York as well as actively serving in both World Wars with the United States Medical Corps. He acted as both President and Vice-President of the Orders and Medals Society of America (OMSA) and is responsible for organizing their first convention in 1960. He maintained further membership with the American Society of Military Collectors, the International Orders Research Society, and the American Numismatic Society. His knowledge and passion for history and awards is evident in this meticulously compiled collection that is now available in its entirety for the first time exclusively on eMedals.com.